Ex-nanny to sue Rob Lowe's wife

Actor Rob Lowe's former nanny has accused the actor's wife of sexual harassment in a US lawsuit.

Nanny Laura Boyce was sued by the Lowes last month over claims she violated confidentiality terms.

Now she is countersuing, alleging Sheryl Lowe walked around naked and made crude comments, according to papers filed in a Los Angeles court.

Mrs Lowe's lawyer, Lawrence Stein, has said the allegations made by Ms Boyce are false.

Ms Boyce, who left her job in November, said she was "devastated" after the Lowes accused her of defamation and infliction of emotional distress.

'Sexually offensive'

Speaking at a press conference, Ms Boyce said: "I respected the Lowes and did everything I could to assist them in their home by taking care of their children.

"I was devastated to find out that the Lowes had sued me because she actually called me the week before and offered me my job. I can't believe she's doing this to me."

Ms Boyce claims she was wrongfully fired and is owed money.

She also alleges Mrs Lowe subjected her to "sexually offensive and hostile conduct" by asking her questions about her sex life.

She is one of three former employees the Lowes sued last month.

"Their lawsuit appeared to be a pre-emptive strike because the Lowes feared that one or both of their former nannies were about to sue them for sexual harassment and other claims," Ms Boyce's lawyer, Gloria Allred, said.

Last month former nanny Jessica Gibson countersued the Lowes, claiming that Mr Lowe sexually harassed her.

Mr Lowe's recent screen credits include The West Wing and Brothers and Sister and Mrs Lowe was a television and film makeup artist.

The two have been married since 1991.

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